★SYRIA
Israel Launches Warning Strikes Near Damascus to Shield Syrian Druze
On April 29, fierce clashes erupted between local Druze gunmen and Syrian security forces in Sahnaya and Jaramana near Damascus, following leaked audio allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad. The violence escalated on April 30 when unidentified armed groups attacked Druze communities in Sahnaya. In response, Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian security sites near Sahnaya, killing a Syrian officer and injuring others, claiming it was protecting Druze civilians from extremists. Prime Minister Netanyahu described the strike as a “warning,” and Israel evacuated three wounded Syrian Druze for treatment — a first since the Syrian war began. The strikes sparked sharp Syrian condemnation of foreign interference. At least 16 people were killed in sectarian clashes. Druze leaders issued divergent responses: Sheikh Yusuf Jarboua affirmed self-defense without foreign help; Lebanon’s Walid Jumblatt warned of Israeli manipulation; Israel’s Druze leader Mowafaq Tarif urged international intervention; Syria’s top Druze cleric, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, accused Damascus of enabling extremist attacks and demanded international protection and a decentralized state. A fragile ceasefire was reached, but tensions remain high, especially in Suwayda. The UN condemned the Israeli strikes and called for civilian protection amid growing regional concern.
============
★ IRAN
Iran Meets Europe Before U.S. Nuclear Talks in Rome
Iran will hold nuclear talks with Britain, France, and Germany in Rome this weekend ahead of a fourth negotiation round with the United States. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Europe’s weakening influence, blaming it on “failed policies,” and dismissed Israeli threats as irrelevant. The U.S. talks, set for Saturday and mediated by Oman, come as pressure mounts over Iran’s uranium enrichment and broader nuclear ambitions.
New U.S. Sanctions on Iran Deepen Its Economic Crisis Ahead of Rome Talks
The United States sanctioned seven entities in Iran, Türkeye, and the UAE for involvement in illicit oil and petrochemical trade worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The move comes ahead of nuclear negotiations scheduled for Saturday in Rome. The penalties target four sellers, one buyer, and two shipping vessels. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the sanctions aim to sustain pressure on Tehran.
Iran Unveils Fastest Long-Range Warship During Persian Gulf Ceremony
Iran unveiled its high-speed warship “Shahid Soleimani” during Persian Gulf National Day, capable of covering 5,000 nautical miles without refueling and reaching 215 km/h speeds. The Revolutionary Guards Navy also introduced a missile-launching assault craft reaching 116 knots, emphasizing Iran’s naval expansion amid rising U.S.-Israel tensions and nuclear talks. IRGC Commander Alireza Tangsiri confirmed successful tests, while Chief Hossein Salami highlighted missile superiority from high-speed boats. The vessel honors slain Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani and symbolizes Iran’s strategy to assert maritime control and military deterrence.
============
★YEMEN
New U.S. Microwave Weapon Deployed During Houthi Strikes on Israel and Aircraft Carrier
The Houthis launched drone attacks targeting Israeli military sites in Jaffa and the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Vinson in the Arabian Sea. Spokesman Yahya Saree said the operation followed a prior strike that forced the USS Truman to retreat. The group also claimed it downed an F-18 and repelled a U.S. air assault. In response, U.S. forces launched multiple airstrikes on Houthi positions in Saada, Hodeidah, and near Sanaa. The Pentagon warned Iran against continued support for the group. Russian officials confirmed three nationals were injured in a U.S. strike on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port. The UK defended its joint strikes with the U.S. on Houthi drone sites, citing maritime security. Meanwhile, the U.S. deployed the ExDECS microwave weapon to combat drone threats, enhancing defenses across the Red Sea. The campaign marks a widening conflict with strategic consequences across the Gulf and beyond.
============
★ ISRAEL
Wildfires Devastate Israel as Authorities Blame Coordinated Arson Attacks
Raging wildfires around Jerusalem forced mass evacuations and triggered a national emergency across Israel. Over 120 firefighting teams were deployed, aided by urgent international support from Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Cyprus. At least 13 individuals were hospitalized as strong winds and high temperatures accelerated the flames. Authorities canceled Independence Day ceremonies and dispatched the world’s largest firefighting aircraft. Officials suspect deliberate arson, with more than 20 fire origins and arrests in East Jerusalem. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labeled the incidents as terror attacks. Simultaneously, Hamas-linked media incited Palestinians to set fire to forests and settlements, launching a campaign dubbed “Flames of the Flood.” Israeli security sources now view the blazes as coordinated acts of sabotage.
Switzerland Breaks Neutrality With Total Hamas Ban Starting May Fifteenth
Switzerland will enforce a full ban on Hamas and affiliated entities starting May 15, empowering authorities to halt all related activities, deport supporters, and block terror financing. The decision follows Hamas’s October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people, including two Swiss nationals, prompting Bern to abandon its tradition of neutrality and align with global efforts targeting Hamas. The Palestinian group condemned the move as a “dangerous shift,” accusing Switzerland of siding with Israel during alleged war crimes in Gaza, and called for the reversal of the decision. Switzerland had been the only Western state maintaining formal contacts with Hamas leadership.
Gaza Clashes Escalate As Israeli Strikes Kill 25 Palestinians
Israeli airstrikes killed 25 Palestinians across Gaza on Wednesday, as Al-Qassam Brigades engaged Israeli troops in Beit Hanoun. The Gaza Health Ministry raised the death toll to 52,400, with more than 118,000 wounded since October 7. Rescue efforts remain stalled due to constant shelling and infrastructure collapse. Meanwhile, Israel reported 1,866 deaths since the Hamas-led attack, including 850 soldiers and 82 security personnel. The Golani Brigade suffered the highest military casualties, as elite units and officers bore the brunt of the war.
============
★ TÜRKIYE
Erdogan Rejects Federalism and Vows to Defend Syrian Territorial Unity
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Türkeye will not accept any de facto autonomy or threats to Syria’s stability, rejecting Kurdish-led calls for decentralization. Speaking after returning from Italy, Erdogan emphasized coordination with Damascus against Israeli airstrikes and reiterated Ankara’s stance for a unified Syria, warning against provocations that could fuel further regional unrest.
Türkiye Rejects DEM Party’s Call to Release Öcalan for PKK Disbandment
Türkiye’s pro-Kurdish DEM Party demanded Abdullah Öcalan’s release to facilitate the PKK’s dissolution, prompting Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç to deny any negotiations and rule out his release. While the PKK accepted Öcalan’s ceasefire call in March, Ankara insists on continuing anti-terror operations unconditionally, rejecting any proposal involving Öcalan’s personal involvement or legal concessions.
============
★ IRAQ
Iran Secures Full Command Over Iraq’s Energy Cooperation Projects
Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad announced four new energy cooperation deals with Iraq, asserting full Iranian control over bilateral oil and gas initiatives. The agreements cover gas flaring in Maysan near the border, offshore exploration, and development of the Khorramshahr-Sindbad shared field. Paknejad’s visit was made at Iraq’s official request. In parallel, the U.S. strongly opposed Iraq’s ongoing gas imports from Iran during meetings in Washington. American officials reaffirmed a policy aimed at blocking Iranian revenue, while Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized efforts toward energy self-sufficiency through projects with Turkmenistan, TÜRKIYE, and Gulf partners. Baghdad also urged U.S. backing for transitional solutions.
============
★LEBANON
Lebanon, UAE Leaders Hold Summit in Abu Dhabi to Deepen Ties
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, affirming a new phase of fruitful bilateral relations. Both emphasized strengthening cooperation and UAE support for Lebanese sovereignty and institutions. Aoun thanked the UAE for hosting 190,000 Lebanese residents and welcomed the reopening of the Emirati embassy in Beirut as a sign of renewed partnership.
Lebanese Army Dismantles 90% of Hezbollah Infrastructure South of Litani
Lebanon’s army dismantled over 90% of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure south of the Litani River under the November ceasefire deal. President Joseph Aoun confirmed control over 85% of the south, while Israel retains five positions. The army sealed tunnels, blocked arms transfers, and pledged to confiscate weapons. Hezbollah signaled cooperation but rejected disarmament without broader political conditions.
============
★ THE GULF
U.S. Approves $425 Million Patriot Missile Deal With Kuwait
The Pentagon approved a $425 million sale of Patriot defense systems and related equipment to Kuwait. This follows April’s State Department approval to upgrade Kuwait’s Patriot missiles. The deal, involving Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, aims to bolster Kuwait’s defense and protect vital oil and gas infrastructure. A related 2020 agreement totaled $1.425 billion.
============
★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Gas Pipeline Explosion in Egypt Kills Three, Injures Thirteen
A major gas pipeline exploded on Wahat Road in 6th of October City, killing three and injuring thirteen. Several vehicles were incinerated as flames and thick smoke engulfed the area. Emergency services quickly closed the pipeline and redirected traffic. Authorities launched an investigation while 12 ambulances transferred victims to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.
Burhan Appoints Loyalists to Top Sudan Posts During Deepening Crisis
Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, appointed Dafallah Al-Haj Ali as acting prime minister and Omar Siddiq as foreign minister, in the largest cabinet reshuffle since 2022. Both men served under ousted president Omar al-Bashir, raising alarm over Burhan’s strategy to restore former regime loyalists and entrench military rule. The move comes amid rising tensions with regional powers accused of supporting the rival Rapid Support Forces. As the war enters its second year, with over 13 million displaced and tens of thousands dead, Burhan’s government faces mounting criticism for escalating repression. Activists report waves of arrests, targeting revolutionaries, journalists, and even humanitarian workers in Port Sudan. The reshuffle signals a hardening crackdown and a shift toward military consolidation rather than political compromise.
U.S. in Talks With Libya to Accept Deported Third-Country Migrants
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed active negotiations with countries, including Libya, to receive third-country migrants as part of Washington’s expanded deportation strategy. The move supports President Trump’s plan to relocate undocumented migrants to partner states. Libya, among the potential hosts, is being considered alongside others like El Salvador and Rwanda for future transfers.
Canada’s Catalyst Metals Discovers $60 Billion Mineral Treasure in Morocco
Canada’s Catalyst Metals announced a massive mineral discovery in Sirwa, southern Morocco, valued at over $60 billion. Surface drilling revealed exceptionally high chromium concentrations, alongside significant nickel and cobalt levels. The site holds an estimated 609 million tons of mineral-rich rock. The discovery positions Morocco as a global hub for critical minerals vital to green technologies.
============
